HIMMLER’S COUP

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22513, 23 November 1944, Page 5

HIMMLER’S COUP

ACCEPTED AS DICTATOR HITLER PUSHED OUT REPORT FROM MADRID .’United l*re«* Amp r:cr tm. ropvrin*.. (Received Nov. 23, 2 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 22 The story of the coup d’etat whereby Himmler compelled the Nazi leaders to accept him as dictator in Diace of Hitler is published in the Daily Express, which says the story is “highly circumstantial.” It reached a foreign editor via Madrid. The coup allegedly occurred at a secret meeting of the Nazi hierarchy on November 1 at Oranienburg, near Berlin. The purpose of the conference was to find a way out of the situation resulting from the inability of Hitler further to direct the affairs of Germany or conduct the war. Himmler is reported to have arrived last and marched in flanked by S.S. generals. He demanded silence and then declared that he was assuming Hitler’s powers. He called on the party to accept his leadership. Himmler added that the building was surrounded by Storm Troopers. Goebbels, who apparently was aware of the plot, spoke on behalf of Himmler. Goering, on tke contrary, suggested a secret “Regency Council.” Rosenberg was the only strong supporter of Goering’s proposal. Others were overawed and accepted Himmler. The Daily Express also states that it has secured incontestible proof that the Nazi leaders are using a double to impersonate Hitler since the attempted assassination on July 20. ADVANCE IN ITALY FORTIFIED VILLAGE CAPTURED LONDON, Nov. 22 British troops of the Eighth Army in Italy have made useful advances west of Forli on the road to Bologna. They have captured the fortified village of Castiglione and gone beyond it to the River Cosina. Polish troops have recaptured Montefortino against strong German resistance and seized the important feature of Montepiano a mile further on. Heavy fighting continues. Eighth Army troops have only four miles to go before reaching Faenza, says Reuter’s Rome correspondent. Fifth Army Forces, who simultaneously attacked, advanced beyond Modilliana, in the Apennines, west of Forli. A correspondent, writing of the Italian front states that the Germans are again using armour on a large scale. The Ravenna airport has been outflanked. COASTAL VESSELS HIT • ALLIED ATTACKS ON CONVOYS (Received Nov. 23, 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 2:2 Allied light coastal forces continued their successful operations in the Gulf of Genoa. On Sunday night two small convoys were discovered and were attacked with torpedoes. Two coastal vessels were hit. SUPPLIES FOR GREECE FLEET OF SMALL SCHOONERS (Received Nov. 23, I p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 22 A fleet of schooners purchased by a British naval officer on behalf of a committee in the Far East is engaged in taking supplies to Greece, and other larger ships are waiting loaded with provisions and ready to sail. The schooners or caiques were bought from shipowners mostly in Syria and Lebanon. They are of wood. Some have auxiliary motors and the tonnage varies from 24 to 200. Because of their shallow draught they are able to reach places where the port facilities are poor or non-existent. The selection and purchase of these vessels was begun two years ago by the Caique Procurant Committee when it realised that eventually large-scale relief would have to be undertaken for liberated Greece and neighbouring islands. Now the ships have been handed over to the Greek authorities and are being operated almost entirelyby Greek crews.